So later this summer, I'd like to boost my car. Is it a good idea considering it has very high mileage and it's my daily driver? I consider a Saab setup, it wouldn't cost too much, right? But isn't it less reliable than going with a S/C? The S/C would be more expensive though, right?
I know nothing about this @!#$, you guys are the experts. Should I do it? If yes, what and why? What is involved with both setups?
Thanks
-Markus
2002 Yellow Cavalier LS Sport
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Your at the exact same place i was a few months ago, and i have to say is if your not willing to take a risk then you wont learn anything. With that in mind, if your eco has high millage (like mine) that is something to be concend about. With this is mind my plans, are to buy a spare eco, build that, then motor swap when its ready. As far as reliability goes both the saab and the s/c setups will be reliable as long as you stay oem (stock lame setups) with them. Which is another reason i want a spare block which i can tare down and build for reliability (rods, bearings, new matienance items,) anything i can think of and take my time with while not having to worry about my car not being on the road. As far as money goes, save, save, save, because going fast isnt cheap. Both setups can vary in price depending on how you want to go about them. the supercharger can be purchased cheaply IF...... your willing to put in the time parting it together and working through the bugs. (thats what im going to do) doing it that way i see my self spending $1000-$1500 on my s/c setup. This is not including internals. Saab setup can be just as expensive as a new s/c kit unless your willing to piece it together. So basically it all comes down to how much time you want to put into this. easy way = expensive, hard more time consuming way = well how good can you wheel and deal. Just start doing research research research. and the answer should start to become more clear. The more you figure out on your own the better things will come together for you. hope this helps =)
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If you are worried about having to do maintenance on your car, i.e. hone cylinders and replace rings on a high mileage motor eventually than boost isn't for you. If you aren't comfortable with having to do a motor swap by yourself in 2 days over the weekend if something goes boom than don't think about boosting your car if its your only daily driver.
The S/C is going to be the most reliable setup (If you run it stock) because there is a factory tune for it. The SAAB setup is reliable with a good tune and your parts are in good shape / came off a low miles donor car.
If you are worried about cost then also don't bother to boost your car. You are realistically going to spend 2-3k by the time you get all extras you will inevitably want.
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Hahn Stage II - Mitsu TD06-20g |3" Turbo-back Exhaust | 61mm Bored TB |
HP Tuners | Innovate WB02 | Spec Stage 3 | Team Green LSD | TurboTech Upper | Full Addco Sways | Sportlines & Yellows |
I was actually going to go the other way, perhaps a 3.10" pulley for less boost.
I may even opt for the 3.25".
Would either of these require a different belt?
My wife's 2003 Ecotec 2.2 liter Sunfire:
* 2 1/4 inch turbo muffler
* 2 1/4 piping to a 2 1/2 inch resonator
* 2 1/4 inch catalytic converter
* 2 1/2 inch down-pipe
* a match ported 4:2:1 RK Sports 'clone' header
* an AEM true cold air intake NOPI edition
* 8 gauge ground wire kit
* Toyz front strut brace
* Vibrant rear strut brace
* and Russell stainless steel brake lines all around.
If you're engine has been well maintained, you should be in good shape. Plan on tuning it properly and you should be able to maintain some reliability. As mentioned above, make sure you have the time and cash for when things go wrong, and count on at least 3k spent on even the cheapest set up (GMPP S/C or saab "kit")
